Bobby Lee Net Worth: A Deep Dive into the Comedian’s Life, Career, and Finances
Bobby Lee has been a beloved figure in the entertainment world for decades. With his unmistakable humor and engaging personality, he has managed to carve out a unique space in comedy, acting, and podcasting. Despite facing personal struggles, including addiction and financial hardships, Bobby’s journey is a testament to his resilience and unrelenting work ethic. This article explores Bobby Lee net worth in 2024, his career trajectory, and his impact as a Korean-American comedian in Hollywood.
Biography/ Wiki
Field | Information |
Full Name | Robert Young Lee Jr. |
Nickname | Bobby Lee |
Gender | Male |
Birthday | September 17, 1971 |
Age | 52 years (as of 2024) |
Birthplace | San Diego, California |
Current Residence | Los Angeles, California |
Zodiac Sign | Virgo |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | Korean-American |
Religion | Not publicly disclosed |
Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) |
Weight | 158 lbs (72 kg) |
Hair Color | Black |
Eye Color | Dark Brown |
Education | Palomar College (Dropped Out) |
Profession | Comedian, Actor, Podcaster |
Father | Robert Lee Sr. |
Mother | Jeanie Lee |
Siblings | Steve Lee (Brother) |
Sexuality | Straight |
Marital Status | Single |
Spouse | None |
Children | None |
Net Worth | Estimated $1 million (2024) |
Source of Income | Comedy, Podcasting, Acting |
Social Media |
Who is Bobby Lee?
Bobby Lee, born Robert Young Lee Jr. on September 17, 1971, in San Diego, California, is a Korean-American comedian, actor, and podcaster. Best known for his time on MADtv, Lee’s humor is marked by his unique observational comedy and fearless approach to taboo subjects. Over the years, Bobby has successfully built a career that spans stand-up comedy, acting, and podcasting.
His two podcasts, TigerBelly and Bad Friends, co-hosted with Khalyla Kuhn and Andrew Santino, respectively, have garnered millions of followers, propelling him into the upper echelons of internet fame. Despite his struggles with addiction and financial ups and downs, Bobby Lee has shown the world the importance of resilience and perseverance.
Bobby Lee’s Family Background and Early Life
Bobby Lee was born to Korean immigrant parents, Jeanie and Robert Lee Sr., who owned clothing stores in Escondido and Encinitas, California. Bobby grew up in San Diego and attended Poway High School before briefly enrolling in Palomar College. However, he eventually dropped out to pursue a career in comedy.
Growing up, Bobby faced resistance from his parents about his career choice. They had hoped he would follow the traditional path of taking over the family business. Despite this, Bobby went on to break new ground in the comedy world, particularly as a trailblazer for Asian-American comedians.
Bobby’s relationship with his family played a significant role in shaping his career. His younger brother, Steve Lee, is also a comedian and musician, and the two share a close bond.
Bobby Lee’s Net Worth and Financial Overview (2024)
As of 2024, Bobby Lee’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million. While this may seem modest compared to other celebrities, Bobby’s diversified career has allowed him to maintain steady income streams. His wealth primarily comes from his work in comedy, acting, and podcasting.

His two podcasts, TigerBelly and Bad Friends, are notable contributors to his income. Both shows are wildly popular, with millions of followers on platforms like YouTube, Apple, and Spotify. Sponsorships, advertisements, and Patreon subscriptions significantly bolster Bobby’s earnings from podcasting.
Additionally, Bobby’s work in television and film continues to generate revenue. Despite facing financial struggles at different points in his life, Bobby has shown impressive resilience and financial acumen.
Bobby Lee’s Net Worth Breakdown (2024)
Source of Income | Estimated Contribution to Net Worth |
Stand-Up Comedy Tours | $200,000 – $300,000 |
Acting Roles (Film and TV) | $400,000 – $500,000 |
TigerBelly Podcast | $200,000 – $300,000 |
Bad Friends Podcast | $300,000 – $500,000 |
Sponsorships & Ads (YouTube) | $100,000 – $200,000 |
Real Estate Investments | Not publicly known |
Total Net Worth (2024) | Approx. $1 million |
How He Built His Career in Comedy and Acting
Bobby Lee’s comedy career began humbly at The Comedy Store in San Diego, where he started performing stand-up after working odd jobs. His big break came in 2001 when he joined the cast of MADtv, becoming the first Asian-American cast member on the show. His work on MADtv propelled him into the public eye, where his sketches became fan favorites.
Lee’s success on MADtv opened doors to acting roles in major films such as Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle and Pineapple Express. These roles helped cement his position as a recognizable face in Hollywood, and his acting career continues to thrive with appearances in TV shows like Reservation Dogs and And Just Like That.
The Role of Podcasting in Bobby Lee’s Financial Success
One of the major turning points in Bobby Lee’s financial journey was his foray into podcasting. In 2015, he launched TigerBelly with his then-girlfriend Khalyla Kuhn. The podcast covers a wide range of topics, including personal anecdotes, current pop culture, and interviews with guests. TigerBelly quickly became a hit, gaining millions of subscribers and becoming a reliable revenue source for Bobby.
In 2020, Bobby launched another podcast, Bad Friends, with fellow comedian Andrew Santino. The show’s success further solidified Bobby’s place in the podcasting world. Both podcasts bring in income through ads, sponsorships, and subscriber support on platforms like YouTube and Patreon.
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Bobby Lee’s Major Collaborations and Hollywood Filmography
Bobby Lee’s career is defined not only by his individual work but also by his collaborations with other well-known comedians and actors. Early in his career, Bobby opened for Carlos Mencia and Pauly Shore, which helped him gain visibility in the comedy scene. He later appeared in films alongside big names like Seth Rogen and James Franco in Pineapple Express.
His Hollywood filmography includes over 90 credits, spanning TV shows, movies, and voice work. Notable appearances include Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, Pineapple Express, and his recurring role in the TV show Reservation Dogs. His collaborations with actors like Ken Jeong, David Spade, and Jeremiah Watkins further demonstrate his versatility as an entertainer.
Collaborator | Project |
Khalyla Kuhn | Co-host on TigerBelly podcast |
Andrew Santino | Co-host on Bad Friends podcast |
Carlos Mencia | Opened for Mencia’s stand-up tours |
Pauly Shore | Opened for Shore during early career |
Seth Rogen | Pineapple Express (2008) |
David Spade | Guest appearance on podcasts and collaborations |
Mitzi Shore | Comedy Store mentor and early supporter |
Ken Jeong | Appearances on comedy shows |
Jeremiah Watkins | Fellow comedian and podcast guest |
James Franco | Co-starred in Pineapple Express |
Bobby Lee’s Challenges with Addiction and Recovery
Bobby Lee’s journey to success has not been without challenges. He has been open about his struggles with substance abuse, which began at a young age. After battling addiction for years, Bobby managed to achieve sobriety, though he has admitted to relapsing after the death of his father, Robert Lee Sr., in 2019.
Despite these setbacks, Bobby has remained resilient, crediting his support system—family, friends, and colleagues—for helping him stay on track. His openness about his addiction and recovery on his podcasts has resonated with fans, offering hope to those facing similar struggles.
Bobby Lee’s Personal Life and Relationships
Bobby Lee’s personal life has been the subject of much interest, particularly his relationship with Khalyla Kuhn, with whom he co-hosts TigerBelly. Although the couple split in 2022, they remain close friends and continue to collaborate on the podcast.
Bobby is notoriously private about other aspects of his romantic life, choosing to focus more on his career and personal development. His candid discussions about his personal challenges, including mental health struggles, have earned him a loyal fanbase.
Bobby Lee’s Influence on Asian-American Representation in Comedy
As one of the few prominent Asian-American comedians, Bobby Lee has been a trailblazer in the comedy world. His role on MADtv broke barriers, as he became the first Asian-American cast member on the long-running sketch comedy show.

Throughout his career, Bobby has used his platform to challenge stereotypes and advocate for greater representation of Asian-Americans in media. His success in both Hollywood and the comedy circuit has paved the way for future generations of Asian-American comedians.
Bobby Lee’s Real Estate and Investment Strategy
In addition to his entertainment career, Bobby Lee has made smart investments in real estate. His property holdings in Los Angeles and San Diego are valued at millions, adding to his overall wealth. Lee has also ventured into stock market investments, including in companies like Tesla, showcasing his financial acumen outside of comedy and entertainment.
Bobby Lee’s Financial Challenges and Resilience
Despite achieving fame and fortune, Bobby Lee has faced financial challenges throughout his career. These challenges were often exacerbated by his addiction struggles and personal hardships. However, Bobby has consistently shown resilience, bouncing back from financial setbacks through his diverse career ventures.
Bobby’s ability to adapt and pivot—whether through acting, comedy, or podcasting—has allowed him to maintain financial stability despite the unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Bobby Lee’s life and career showcase the incredible journey of a comedian who faced numerous personal and professional challenges yet triumphed in the entertainment world. From his breakout role on MADtv to his flourishing career in podcasting with TigerBelly and Bad Friends, Bobby has carved out a niche as one of the most beloved comedians today. Despite his struggles with addiction and financial hardships, Bobby’s resilience and adaptability have been his most defining traits. His ability to pivot from one venture to another, always managing to reinvent himself, has allowed him to amass a net worth of approximately $1 million in 2024.
Bobby’s influence on Asian-American representation in comedy has left a lasting impact, breaking barriers for future generations. His candidness about mental health, addiction, and personal struggles has only strengthened his connection with fans, making him more than just a comedian but also a relatable figure for many. Looking ahead, Bobby Lee’s continued success in comedy, podcasting, and acting will likely keep him in the public eye for many years to come.
FAQs About Bobby Lee
What is Bobby Lee’s net worth in 2024?
Bobby Lee’s net worth is estimated to be around $1 million as of 2024. His income comes from stand-up comedy, acting roles, and his successful podcasts.
What are Bobby Lee’s most popular podcasts?
Bobby Lee co-hosts two popular podcasts: TigerBelly with Khalyla Kuhn and Bad Friends with Andrew Santino. Both have millions of followers and generate substantial revenue through sponsorships and ads.
What is Bobby Lee’s background?
Bobby Lee was born in San Diego, California, to Korean-American immigrant parents. He grew up in Southern California and started his comedy career at The Comedy Store before breaking into acting and podcasting.
Has Bobby Lee struggled with addiction?
Yes, Bobby Lee has been open about his struggles with addiction, which started at a young age. After years of battling substance abuse, he achieved sobriety, although he has admitted to relapsing at times. He credits his support system for helping him through these challenges.
How has Bobby Lee impacted Asian-American representation in comedy?
Bobby Lee was the first Asian-American cast member on MADtv, and his career has paved the way for greater representation of Asian-Americans in comedy. He has challenged stereotypes and opened doors for future generations of comedians in Hollywood.
What are some of Bobby Lee’s major acting roles?
Bobby Lee has appeared in popular films such as Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle and Pineapple Express. He also has recurring roles in TV shows like Reservation Dogs and And Just Like That.
Who is Bobby Lee’s brother?
Bobby Lee’s younger brother, Steve Lee, is also a comedian and musician. The two share a close relationship and have collaborated on various creative projects.
What are Bobby Lee’s main sources of income?
Bobby Lee’s income primarily comes from his comedy career, acting roles, and his two podcasts. He also earns money from sponsorships, advertisements, and his investments in real estate and stocks.